Harry Kane brace sends England into World Cup last 16 as Wayne Rooney hails captain as national hero

• Harry Kane scored twice as England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 and reach the World Cup round of 16.
• Wayne Rooney described Kane as England’s “hero” but warned Thomas Tuchel must address defensive weaknesses.
• England will now face co-hosts Mexico after surviving a difficult knockout test.

Harry Kane inspired England to a comeback victory over DR Congo as Thomas Tuchel’s side secured a place in the World Cup round of 16 with a hard-fought 2-1 win, prompting Wayne Rooney to label the captain England’s “hero” while warning there is still plenty for the team to improve.

England were stunned inside seven minutes when Brian Cipenga fired DR Congo into an early lead, leaving Tuchel’s side chasing the game for much of the first half. Kane responded after the break with a powerful header to restore parity before producing a superb finish in the 86th minute to complete the turnaround and book a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.

The Bayern Munich striker’s match-winning display continued another prolific World Cup campaign, with his two goals taking him to five for the tournament and keeping him firmly in contention for the Golden Boot alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.

Rooney, whose England scoring record Kane surpassed in 2023, praised the striker’s ability to deliver when it mattered most.

“His header was brilliant but the second goal was incredible and he is just such a top player,” Rooney told the BBC.

“All the best players in the world are performing at this World Cup. He is England’s superstar, he is the hero for us.

“There are few things that they need to clear up. I wasn’t too sure about midfield and defence in that performance but the main thing in football is you get through and Harry Kane has done it again for us.”

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards also credited Tuchel for building his team around Kane.

“Tuchel has based his team around Kane because he is a genuine superstar,” Richards said.

“He is the one who has stepped up when they needed him the most. He is an absolute hero.”

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart echoed those sentiments but admitted England’s overall display left questions ahead of tougher opposition.

“He knows that wasn’t a good performance and he knew they would have to dig deep,” Hart said.

“They have got the job done in difficult circumstances. Their captain has come through. They have got through it but the debrief going into the next couple of days will be massive.”

Kane’s decisive goal showcased the instincts that have made him one of world football’s most reliable finishers. Rooney highlighted the striker’s movement and awareness inside the penalty area after he created enough space to fire past the goalkeeper from a crowded position.

“Your muscle memory, you know where you are on the pitch, the little fractions,” Rooney said.

“He will have been in this position so many times in training and in games. He knows his surroundings and the defenders around him. He knows where the space is to put his touch and as soon as his touch goes into that space he knows exactly what he is doing.

“He starts it outside the post and whips it back in. He hits it absolutely perfect.”

Kane’s performance also drew praise from the Prince of Wales, who posted a message on Instagram after the final whistle.

“Never in doubt… Well done England! Onto the next! W,” Prince William wrote alongside a winking emoji.

Despite celebrating qualification, Rooney believes England cannot afford another display like the one against DR Congo if they are to challenge for the World Cup.

“For me there are big concerns,” Rooney said.

“We are all delighted England have gone through but in particular when England lose the ball they are so open. Against a better team I think we are in big trouble if we don’t sort that out.

“The connection isn’t great between the backline and midfield, full-backs are struggling, Noni Madueke struggled. There are just no connections and big gaps in the middle of the pitch and that is a big worry for me.

“He really needs to look at that otherwise we will go out.”

England now prepare for a high-profile round-of-16 showdown against Mexico, with Kane once again expected to lead Tuchel’s side as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.